Liverpool have been linked with a move for Douglas Luiz but now an update has emerged from a reliable source that has put a spanner in the works for the Merseysiders.

What's the latest?

According to Sky Sports (via Anfield Watch), Liverpool have "failed" in their late attempt to sign Aston Villa midfielder Luiz.

Anfield Watch tweeted:

"NEW: Liverpool are thought to have failed in a last-ditch attempt to sign Douglas Luiz. The Reds did make an attempt to sign the Brazilian from Aston Villa, but he reportedly wants to go to Arsenal. #lfc [sky]."

It had been thought by one source that the Reds were still interested in the midfielder despite a move for Juventus' Arthur Melo being done.

It's a blow for Klopp

The news that Luiz would prefer a move to Arsenal in the remaining few hours of Deadline Day will be a blow for Jurgen Klopp, as the club make late attempts to add more depth to the midfield of their squad.

Following Jordan Henderson's hamstring injury sustained in the victory over Newcastle United last night, the German manager will be desperate to add reinforcements in the centre of the pitch with now James Milner, Harvey Elliott and Fabinho the only experienced fit midfielders in the squad.

Arthur is due to complete a medical this evening on Merseyside after Liverpool contacted the club late last night following the injury blow to Henderson, but it will only be a loan deal with no option to buy.

This puts Liverpool in a much more difficult situation when it comes to next summer as James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all be out of contract at the end of this season, further weakening the team. As a result, it presents a huge workload on Julian Ward to sign a number of midfielders next year.

Luiz would have been the perfect addition to add depth to the centre of the pitch this summer for the Reds, giving the club a headstart on their future mission. The Brazilian is a deep-lying midfielder who has many qualities that would have given Klopp a fresh perspective to partner Fabinho, especially whilst Thiago Alcantara recovers from his injury issues.

The £20m Villa midfielder who was dubbed "wonderful" by Steven Gerrard is a pass-master in the centre of the pitch, tallying up a completion rate of 92% in his own half and 87% overall, as well as making 1.1 key passes, one interception and 1.7 tackles per game over 34 appearances last season.

With that being said, FSG could rue their decision to not make a move for a midfielder until the last minute and Klopp will now have to hope that the signing of Arthur will be enough to get his squad through their current injury troubles.